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Michigan State's Izzo Considered Coaching NBA's Suns
Longtime Spartans coach had serious talks with team owner last year
Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:33pm
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Michigan State men's basketball coach Tom Izzo revealed he had serious discussions last year about potentially leaving the college ranks to coach the NBA's Phoenix Suns. Izzo, who has led the Spartans for over 25 years, said he talked extensively about the Suns job with Mat Ishbia, a former Michigan State player who now owns the NBA franchise.
Why it matters
Izzo is considered one of the most respected and successful college basketball coaches, having led Michigan State to 8 Final Four appearances and a national championship. His potential departure for the NBA would have been a major shakeup in the college hoops landscape, and the fact that he seriously considered the Suns job shows the allure of the professional ranks.
The details
Izzo said he and Ishbia, who purchased the Suns in 2022, had 'serious talks' about Izzo potentially taking over as the team's head coach. However, Izzo ultimately decided to remain at Michigan State, where he has coached since 1995 and built the Spartans into a perennial national title contender.
- Izzo said the discussions with Ishbia about the Suns job took place last year.
The players
Tom Izzo
The longtime head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team, leading them to 8 Final Four appearances and 1 national championship over his 27-year tenure.
Mat Ishbia
A former Michigan State basketball player who purchased the Phoenix Suns NBA franchise in 2022.
What they’re saying
“We talked seriously about it”
— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans
The takeaway
Izzo's willingness to consider leaving the college ranks for the NBA shows the continued allure of professional basketball, even for one of the most successful and respected coaches in the college game. His decision to ultimately remain at Michigan State is a win for the Spartans program and college basketball as a whole.
